Living / 23 July, 2019 / My Baba
Are we really talking openly about weak pelvic floor muscles and bladder leakage? For years, women have been finding creative and secretive ways to manage the condition, living in fear of embarrassing accidents and avoiding sport, leisure and personal situations because of it. The truth is that 1 in 3 women experience this problem; a mind-blowing statistic that makes you wonder why more hasn’t been done to find a solution.
Bladder leakage refers to passing urine when you don’t mean to. The medical term for it is ‘urinary incontinence’ but as that’s not the most sympathetic of phrases, most women simply say they just leak without actually knowing why. The frequency and severity of bladder leakage varies considerably among women. There are several types of bladder leakage. The most common is stress leakage, where weakened muscles can’t hold urine in when you cough or sneeze etc. Another type is urgency leakage – when you experience a strong urge to pass urine. Sometimes the intense urge to urinate is so immediate and strong, it is not possible to reach a toilet in time. Some women, especially around the menopause experience both symptoms and this is called ‘mixed’ bladder leakage.
When the pelvic floor muscles become weak or damaged they aren’t strong enough to support the bladder so ‘holding it in’ isn’t an option. Pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken with with age, but can be heightened by things such as pregnancy, childbirth or surgery, as well as more common problems such as a chronic cough and constipation. As if the hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes weren’t enough to contend with, a drop in oestrogen levels during menopause can also cause pelvic floor muscles to weaken, resulting in less control over the bladder.
Many women neglect the important but invisible pelvic floor muscles. Evidence suggests that up to 50% of women are unable to exercise their pelvic floor muscles correctly – this is through no fault of their own. For those of you who are able to do your own pelvic floor muscle exercises there are a number of different exercises that can help. Some of the most effective exercises can be found here. Pelvic floor muscles can be hard to feel and therefore train, the good news is that like all muscles, they can be strengthened through regular exercise, offering better bladder control. Keeping these muscles fit and healthy can also protect against prolapse and help to maintain good sexual function.
Despite the shocking statistics and the fact that the condition can have severe psychological effects on women who suffer from it, negatively impacting quality of life, female bladder leakage is the largest unmet need in female health. The good news is that Femtech (female technology) is one of the fastest growing sectors of healthcare and Pelviva is proof that times are changing, and people are finally investing in this area of health.
Pelviva is an award-winning pelvic floor muscle trainer that has been clinically proven to improve bladder leaks in 84% of women in just 12 weeks. It uses a unique technology that works naturally with the body, making the pelvic floor muscles contract, restoring speed and strength to the power fibres. It also trains the endurance fibres so that they ‘hold on’ when an urgent trip to the toilet is needed. After just 3 weeks, 80% of women reported benefits from using Pelviva.
Pelviva Technology
Pelviva is the first product of its kind and incorporates a revolutionary pattern of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). By mimicking the way the body works naturally Pelviva delivers what is known as Reactive Pulse Technology (RPT™) to the pelvic floor muscle, causing the muscle to contract.
This helps to tone and strengthen the pelvic floor muscle and prevent bladder leakage when women cough, laugh, sneeze, exercise or urgently need to go to the toilet.
The soft compressible foam makes Pelviva easy to compress and position inside the vagina. It adapts to an individual’s size and shape for a comfortable fit.
Flexible pulse pads mean women are free to move about while having the treatment. Pelviva is a disposable, single use, vaginally inserted medical device that women can use at home or on the go. Pelviva exercises your pelvic floor muscle for you. It is fully automated, simply pull the tab, insert leave for 30 minutes, remove and dispose of when convenient. Treatment is recommended every other day for a duration of 12 weeks.
“Pelviva is the result of painstaking research through academic, clinical and industry collaboration bringing innovation into healthcare. This trailblazing development has the potential to transform the lives of women worldwide.” Professor Jacqueline Oldham PhD, BSc (Hons), RGN, Director of Corridor Manchester Health
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30-year-old Lisa-Marie suffered terribly with bladder leakage for 18 months, resorting to medication to try and help: “Before I tried Pelviva I was very dubious as to whether I would be able to confidently insert and keep it in for the recommended 30 minutes as I had never used a tampon before. I was unnecessarily anxious; Pelviva was extremely easy to use and came with very clear instructions. Pelviva has really helped me, I would highly recommend it. I have even managed to come off my medication!”
“The symptoms I had before using Pelviva were typical of many women, especially those who have had children. I always made sure I knew where the nearest toilets were and went to the loo at every opportunity, even if I didn’t actually need to go! I used Pelviva for 3 months and found it very discreet and easy to use. I had a very positive experience with Pelviva; it made a difference to my pelvic floor control. I would certainly use Pelviva again when I find my control weakening.” Carolyn, aged 48, mother of two
Clinical data and research are at the heart of Pelviva, which is supported by a comprehensive package of clinical research and a stimulation programme developed by Professor Oldham at The University of Manchester. A clinical trial of women who completed the 12-week course showed a four-times reduction in the impact that bladder leaks had on their quality of life.
“Pelviva is the first product of its kind that is really easy to use and clinically proven to treat bladder leaks. It is a pioneering medical device that will have a life-changing impact on women’s quality of life.” Andrew Tasker, Femeda CEO
A proven solution to bladder leakage has been a long time coming, but Pelviva has finally given us the chance to make a real difference to women’s quality of life. If you want to find out your pelvic floor age, why not do our online quiz. For more information, advice and purchase options, visit https://www.pelviva.com.
The P Word: Win a Month’s Supply of Pelviva worth £199.95
Regain your pelvic floor control today. Pelviva is available online and we have a special offer for you: enter the code PR2519 to get a 25% discount. Discount valid until 31st August 2019.
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